Cassette of cassette type stapler

ABSTRACT

A cassette of a cassette type stapler, wherein a holder structural body ( 1 ), staple guides ( 8 ), and a spring engaging device ( 9 ) of the holder structural body are molded integrally with each other, a spring is fitted to the spring engaging device ( 9 ) of the holder structural body and the feeder projection ( 21 ) of a feeder ( 20 ), and the feeder ( 20 ) pushes a staple forward. Namely, a mechanism functioning as a conventional outer box is formed integrally with a mechanism guiding the staple. Also, in the mechanism functioning as the outer box, a rear wall or a bottom wall is not separated from the outer box but formed integrally therewith. In addition, a structure to directly engage one end of the spring with a holder body and the other end with the feeder and a structure to guide the staple to a specified position when the staple is struck out are used for the mechanism guiding the staple. A member for engaging the spring with the holder body and a staple guide member are required for these structures. These structures are also formed integrally with a holder.

TECHNICAL FIELD THE INVENTION BELONGS TO

The present invention relates to a cassette to be used in a cassettetype stapler and to a holder structure to be used in said cassette.

PRIOR ART

As the cassette for the cassette type stapler of the prior art, thereare a cassette disclosed in JP-A-62-218080 and a cassette disclosed inJP-A-63-47076. A cassette 80 (FIG. 59 to FIG. 61) disclosed inJP-A-62-218080 widely spreads in the market. Not only a holder member 81but also a feeder device 82 and a rod structure 86 (FIG. 60) areessential in the cassette 80. The holder member 81 is formed into a boxshape having its back wall removed, and a cap 87 of the rod structure 86functions as the back wall of the holder member. Specifically, theassembly of the cassette 80 is completed by mounting staples 84 and thefeeder device 82 in the recited order from the back of the holder member81, by mounting a rod 88 of the rod structure 86 having a spring 85attached thereto, and by integrating the rod structure 86 and the holdermember 81 so that an engaging projection 89 of the rod structure 86snugly in the hole 90 of the cassette. Thus, the cassette 80 is mountedin the single action and is assembled easily to some extent. In thecourse of the mass production, however, many labors are required forfitting the engaging projection of the rod structure in the hole of thecassette.

The cassette, as manufactured under the trade name of “CSV” by e-TOPCo., Ltd., for the cassette type stapler of the prior art iscommercially available (FIG. 62 to FIG. 64). Not only the holder memberbut also a feeder 95 and a rod structure 93 are essential for thecassette of the trade name “CSV”. The holder member is completed with aplurality of members. Specifically, the holder member body is formedinto a box shape having its bottom and back removed, and a holder memberbottom wall 92 or a member different from the holder member body isfitted on the bottom of the holder member body whereas the rod structure93 is fitted on the back of the holder member body. A spring 96 isattached to a rod 94 of the rod structure 93. In short, this cassetterequires the numerous members, and its manufacture takes many labors inthe mass production procedure.

Problems that the Invention is to Solve

In this invention, the mechanism to function as the outer case and themechanism for guiding the staples are integrated.

In the invention, moreover, even at the mechanism to function as theouter box, the back wall or the bottom wall is not a separate member butis made integral. In other words, the two members essential for thecassette disclosed in JP-A-62-218080, that is, the holder 81 and the rodstructure 87 are made of one member. In the invention, moreover, as themechanism for guiding the staples, there is adopted not the mechanism,in which the spring is fitted on the rod-shaped member, but thestructure, in which the spring engages directly at its one end with theholder body and at its other end with the feeder and in which thestaples are guided to a predetermined position as they are driven. Thesestructures need the member for bringing the spring into engagement withthe holder body and the staple guide member. These members are alsointegrated with the holder.

In the invention, moreover, all of the mechanism to function as theouter case and the mechanism for guiding the staples are integrallymolded by using one set of molds, while eliminating any of glue, weldand screws.

Means for Solving the Problems

There is provided a holder structure to be used as a cassette of acassette type stapler, comprising: a holder member including a top sideportion, a bottom side portion, a right side portion, a left sideportion, a front side portion and a back side portion; and a stapleguide member extending in the inside of said holder member in the axialdirection of said holder member, wherein, in case the sections of X-Ydirections of a portion forming said top side portion, a portion formingsaid bottom side portion, a portion forming said right side portion, aportion forming said left side portion, a portion forming said frontside portion, a portion forming said back side portion and a portionforming said staple guide member are projected in one virtual plane inthe X-Y directions, the section of one portion in the X-Y directions andthe section of another portion in the X-Y directions are absent overeach other in a Z-direction.

The cassette according to the invention is one to be used in thecassette type stapler. This cassette type stapler is used by mountingthe cassette precharged with the staples in the stapler body.

The holder structure according to the invention has a holder member.This holder member is formed into a hexahedron composed of a top sideportion, a bottom side portion, a right side portion, a left sideportion, a front side portion and a back side portion. In connectionwith these top, bottom, right, left, front and back side portions, theprior art structure does not need any hole for driving the staples onprinciple, excepting the hole for the blade and the staple to passthrough. For the structure to be integrally molded, however, theinvention is provided with a number of holes in the top side portion andthe bottom side portion. The locations of the holes have an importantmeaning in the invention, as will be described hereinafter.

The holder member functions as the outer box for housing the staples orthe like.

The holder structure according to the invention has the staple guidemember. This staple guide member extends in the holder member in theaxial direction of the holder member. The staples engage with the stapleguide in the holder. The staples move forward, when driven, and hencethe staple guide extends in the axial direction of the holder member.

The mode of the staple guide is sufficient if it can engage with thestaples and can guide their axial movements. The staple guide may belocated either at a position for supporting the top backs of the staplesor at a position for supporting the leading ends of the legs of thestaples.

Herein: the X-direction means the longitudinal axis of the cassette; theY-direction means the transverse axis of the cassette; and theZ-direction means the vertical axis of the cassette. The X-Y directionsmeans the directions parallel to the X-Y plate (i.e., the plane definedby the X-axis and the Y-axis. The section in the X-Y directions meansthe section, which is cut in a plane parallel to the X-Y plate (i.e.,the plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis).

In the holder structure according to the invention, in case the sectionsof X-Y directions of the portion forming the top side portion, theportion forming the bottom side portion, the portion forming the rightside portion, the portion forming the left side portion, the portionforming the front side portion, the portion forming the back sideportion and the portion forming the staple guide member are projected inone virtual plane in the X-Y directions, the section of one portion inthe X-Y directions and the section of another portion in the X-Ydirections are absent over each other in the Z-direction. As a result,it is possible to mold the cassette integrally. Specifically, the holdermember and the staple guide member are made by a set of molds.

The state, in which the sections in the X-Y directions are absent overeach other in the plus Z-axis direction in case the sections of allportions in the X-Y directions are projected in one virtual plane in theX-Y directions, means that the structure equipped with the holder memberand the staple guide member is made by one set of molds when thecassette is to be manufactured. For this structure, of the six sidescomposing the holder member, the top side and the bottom side areindividually provided many holes. The mold parts are parted in theZ-direction. As a result, the portions of the individual components inthe sections in the X-Y directions cannot overlap in the mold partingdirection. In case the top side of the holder and the bottom side of theholder are projected in one virtual plane in the X-Y directions, forexample, the portions of the holes of the top side form the no-holeportions of the bottom side, whereas the portions of the holes of thebottom side form the no-hole portions of the top side.

There is provided a holder structure to be used as a cassette of acassette type stapler, comprising: a holder member including a top sideportion, a bottom side portion, a right side portion, a left sideportion, a front side portion and a back side portion; and a holderspring engaging member, wherein, in case the sections of X-Y directionsof a portion forming said top side portion, a portion forming saidbottom side portion, a portion forming said right side portion, aportion forming said left side portion, a portion forming said frontside portion, a portion forming said back side portion and a portionforming holder spring engaging member are projected in one virtual planein the X-Y directions, the section of one portion in the X-Y directionsand the section of another portion in the X-Y directions are absent overeach other in a Z-direction.

The holder structure according to the invention is provided with theholder spring engaging member. This holder spring engaging memberfunctions as a member for attaching the spring to the holder. The holderspring engaging member covers all the modes capable of performing afunction to bring the spring into engagement.

The positions, at which the holder spring engaging member exists, arevarious according to the kinds of spring (e.g., a tension spring or apush spring) or the lengths of spring.

In the holder structure according to the invention, in case the sectionsof X-Y directions of the portion forming the top side portion, theportion forming the bottom side portion, the portion forming the rightside portion, the portion forming the left side portion, the portionforming the front side portion, the portion forming the back sideportion and the portion forming the holder spring engaging member areprojected in one virtual plane in the X-Y directions, the section of oneportion in the X-Y directions and the section of another portion in theX-Y directions are absent over each other in a Z-direction. As a result,it is possible to mold the cassette integrally. Specifically, the holdermember and the holder spring engaging member are made by one set ofmolds.

The state, in which the sections in the X-Y directions are absent overeach other in the plus Z-axis direction in case the sections of allportions in the X-Y directions are projected in one virtual plane in theX-Y directions, means that the structure equipped with the holder memberand the holder spring engaging member is made by one set of molds whenthe cassette is to be manufactured. For this structure, of the six sidescomposing the holder member, the top side and the bottom side areindividually provided many holes. The mold parts are parted in theZ-direction. As a result, the portions of the individual components inthe sections in the X-Y directions cannot overlap in the mold partingdirection. In case the top side of the holder and the bottom side of theholder are projected in one virtual plane in the X-Y directions, forexample, the portions of the holes of the top side form the no-holeportions of the bottom side, whereas the portions of the holes of thebottom side form the no-hole portions of the top side.

There is provided a holder structure to be used in a cassette for acassette type stapler, comprising: a holder member including a top sideportion, a bottom side portion, a right side portion, a left sideportion, a front side portion and a back side portion; a holder springengaging member; and a staple guide member extending in the inside ofsaid holder member in the axial direction of said holder member, whereinall the members are made integral, and wherein, in the sections of X-Ydirections of a portion forming said top side portion, a portion formingsaid bottom side portion, a portion forming said right side portion, aportion forming said left side portion, a portion forming said frontside portion, a portion forming said back side portion, a portionforming said holder spring engaging member, and a portion forming saidstaple guide member, the section of one portion in the X-Y directionsand the section of another portion in the X-Y directions are absent overeach other in a Z-direction.

The holder structure comprises both the holder spring engaging memberand the staple guide member.

Moreover, the cassette according to the invention has the holder member,the staple guide member and the spring engaging member integrated withone another. In short, all the members are jointed to one another.

Also provided a holder structure characterized by comprising a springguide inside of said holder structure.

Thus, the spring to be used in the holder structure having the springguide is a tension spring having a considerable length. The spring guideis usually positioned in front of said holder spring engaging member.

There is provided a cassette for a cassette type stapler, comprising: aholder structure to be used as a cassette of a cassette type staplerincluding: a holder member including a top side portion, a bottom sideportion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a front side portionand a back side portion; a holder spring engaging member; and a stapleguide member extending in the inside of said holder member in the axialdirection of said holder member, wherein all the members are madeintegral, and wherein, in case the sections of X-Y directions of aportion forming said top side portion, a portion forming said bottomside portion, a portion forming said right side portion, a portionforming said left side portion, a portion forming said front sideportion, a portion forming said back side portion, a portion formingsaid holder spring engaging member, and a portion forming said stapleguide member is projected in one virtual plane in the X-Y directions,the section of one portion in the X-Y directions and the section ofanother portion in the X-Y directions are absent over each other in aZ-direction; a feeder including a feeder spring engaging member; and aspring engaging at its one end with said holder spring engaging memberand at its other end with said feeder spring engaging member.

This cassette is not charged with the staples. In this state, the finalconsumer discards the cassette. This cassette having no staple isrecovered and recharged with the staples for reuse. Thus, the resourcescan be effectively exploited.

There is provided a cassette for a cassette type staples, which ischaracterized by comprising staples pushed forward by said feeder memberto slide along said staple guide.

Usually, the cassette for cassette type staples according to theinvention is delivered with the staples to the final consumer.

As described hereinbefore, the position, at which the holder springengaging member of the holder structure exists, is various according tothe kinds of spring (e.g., a tension spring or a push spring) or thelengths of spring.

In case the spring is a tension spring and is attached in an I-lettershape without engaging with the spring guide, the holder spring engagingmember is usually located in front of the holder structure.

In case, on the other hand, the spring is a tension spring and isattached in a U-letter shape in engagement with the spring guide, theholder spring engaging member exists at least at the back of the springguide. In case the spring is attached in the U-shape, the spring used islonger than that attached in the I-shape. The position of the holderspring engaging member is also determined by the length of the spring.In case the longest spring is used, the holder spring engaging memberexists at the rear end in the holder.

The staple guide member functions to guide the staples in apredetermined direction when the staples engage with the feeder memberso that it is pushed forward by the force of the spring attached at itsone end to the feeder member. The staple guide member may support eitherthe top backs of the staples or the leading ends of the legs of thestaples.

Moreover, the staple guide member may be disposed on any wall such asthe wall of the bottom side or the side portion of the holder member.

There is provided a cassette for a cassette type stapler, which ischaracterized in that the spring is a tension spring.

In case the spring is the tension spring, the spring engages at its oneend with the holder spring engaging member and at its other end with thefeeder spring engaging member. In case a short spring is used, it isattached in the I-shape so that its force pulls the feeder directly.

In this case, the short spring can be used to make the cassette short.Alternatively, the cassette is not shortened but can accommodate morestaples.

There is provided a cassette for cassette type a stapler, which ischaracterized in that said holder structure has a spring guide, and inthat said spring engages with said spring guide between said one end andsaid other end to have a U-letter shape.

The spring in this case is the tension spring. Moreover, the springengages with the spring guide between its one end attached to the holderspring engaging member and at its other end attached to the feederspring engaging member, and has its tensing direction U-turned at theportion of the spring guide. The spring used in this case is relativelylong. According to the length of the spring used, the position of theholder spring engaging member is adjusted.

The spring for pushing the staples is not proper if it is excessivelystrong or weak, because it has to push the staples with a force to feedthem reliably one by one. Therefore, the mode has to match such a longspring.

There is provided a cassette for a cassette type stapler, which ischaracterized in that the spring is a push spring.

In case the spring is the push spring, the holder spring engaging memberis usually disposed near the trailing end of the holder member.

There is provided a cassette for a cassette type stapler, which ischaracterized in that said staple guide member supports the top backs ofthe staples.

This cassette is enabled to match both the staples having longer legsand the staples having shorter legs by locating the staple guide at aposition for supporting the top backs of the staples and by making theheight of the staple guide engageable with the staples having the longlegs. By the staple guide, the staples are precisely guided forward sothat the foremost one of the series staples precisely reaches apredetermined position for the staple driving action.

It is sufficient that the staple guide in this case may function tosupport the top backs of the staples. These top backs may be borneeither by the top ends of the two sides parallel to the side of theholder member or by the top side of a smaller box-shaped member than theinner periphery of the staples. Moreover, the staple guide member may bedisposed on the bottom side of the holder member or on the side of theholder member. In case the staple guide member is disposed on the bottomside, the aforementioned two parallel sides and the box-shaped memberrise from the bottom side of the holder member.

There is provided a cassette for a cassette type stapler, which ischaracterized in that said staple guide member supports the leading endsof the legs of the staples.

The legs of the staples are located near the side wall of the holdermember. In case, therefore, the staple guide member is used to supportthe leading ends of the legs of the staples, the staple guide member canbe disposed on the side wall of the holder member. In this invention,all the members can be integral so that they can be manufactured by thepaired molds. Therefore, it is highly effective that the wall of thebottom side of the holder member can be minimized. When the constructionis made to have no overlap in the Z-direction, the absence of the wallof the bottom side makes it possible to realize a simpler and freestructure.

In the absence of the bottom wall, moreover, the works from the bottomside are facilitated to mount the members such as the feeder, the springor the staples to the holder structure.

There is provided a mold to be used for manufacturing a holder structureto be used in a cassette for a cassette type stapler, the holderstructure comprising: a holder member including a top side portion, abottom side portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a frontside portion and a back side portion; a holder spring engaging member;and a staple guide member extending in the inside of said holder memberin the axial direction of said holder member, wherein all the membersare made integral, and wherein, in the sections of X-Y directions of aportion forming said top side portion, a portion forming said bottomside portion, a portion forming said right side portion, a portionforming said left side portion, a portion forming said front sideportion, a portion forming said back side portion, a portion formingsaid holder spring engaging member, and a portion forming said stapleguide member, the section of one portion in the X-Y directions and thesection of another portion in the X-Y directions are absent over eachother in a Z-direction.

The mold of this case is sufficiently exemplified by a set of molds tobe parted in the Z-direction.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 to FIG. 24 shows Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the spring is atension spring interposed in an I-letter shape between a spring engagingmember rising at the front of a holder bottom face of a holder structureand a feeder device made separate from the holder structure. InEmbodiment 1, moreover, a staple guide rises from the bottom wall of aholder member for supporting the staples on their top backs.

The I-shaped spring simplifies the structure of a cassette. Moreover,the spring used is relative short so that its most compressed length canbe reduced to shorten the feeder. As a result, more staples can bepacked at once. In other words, the holder structure can be madeshorter.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, a holder structure 1 has a hexahedralouter box, which is composed of a holder front side 2, a holder rightside 3, a holder top side 4, a holder left side 5, a holder bottom side6 and a holder back side 7. This outer box constitutes a holder member(having no reference numeral). Many recesses 12 are formed in the holdertop side 4. Many recesses 13 are also formed in the holder bottom side6.

As shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, the portions other than the recesses ofthe holder bottom side 6 exist in the portions corresponding to therecesses 12 of the holder top side 4, and the portions other than therecesses of the holder top side 4 exist in the portions corresponding tothe recesses 13 of the holder bottom side 6. Moreover, a staple guide 8and a spring engaging member 9 also exist only at the portionscorresponding to the recesses 12 of the holder top side 4. The holderback side 7 also exists only at the portions corresponding to therecesses 12 of the holder top side 4. This structure makes it possibleto mold all the members integrally. In order to explain the shape of theholder structure more precisely, the sectional views of the holderstructure are shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 17. FIG. 12 shows a back view ofthe holder structure.

The holder structure thus made can be integrally molded by a pair ofmolds to be vertically parted.

Inside of the holder structure 1, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, thestaple guide 8 rises from the wall of the holder bottom side 6. A beam16 exists at the holder bottom 6. The beam 16 may be located at oneportion in the longitudinal center portion of the holder structure, asshown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The beam 16 may also be disposed in theplural portions other than the longitudinal center. The beam is providedfor stabilizing the shape of the holder structure 1 and accordingly forpreventing any looseness in the holder structure 1 thereby to stabilizethe drive of the staple.

The holder structure shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 is not provided withthe beam at its holder bottom side. In case the looseness prevention canbe made other than the beam by the material or the like of the holderstructure, the beam can be dispensed with, as shown in FIG. 23 and FIG.24. In the holder structure shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the stapleguide is not filled, as called so, with the material so as to reduce thewaste of material.

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, staples 15 engage on their top backs withthe staple guide 8. The height of the staple guide 8 and the leg lengthof the staples 15 match each other. By raising the staple guide 8 high,therefore, staples 15A having short legs, staples 15B having longer legsand staples 15C having more longer legs can be coped with one holderstructure.

As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, a feeder 20 is important as separatefrom the holder structure. As shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the feeder20 is provided with a feeder projection 21. Like the holder structure,the feeder 20 and the feeder projection 21 can also be integrallymolded.

The cassette is completed by assembling the four components of theholder structure, the staples, the feeder and the spring 4, as shown inFIG. 20. Specifically, the assembly of the cassette is made by thefollowing manner. The staples are inserted into the holder structure.The staples can be charged either into a recess 17 (FIG. 12) formed inthe holder back side 7 of the holder structure or into the recess in theholder bottom side. One end of the spring is brought into engagementwith the feeder projection of the feeder 20, and the feeder 20 ischarged to the back of the staples already charged. The feeder 20 ischarged like the staples into the recess 17 or the recess in the bottomof the holder. After this, the other end of the spring is brought intoengagement with an engaging projection 10 of the spring engaging member9.

When the cassette is to be mounted in the stapler body, a cassetteengaging projection 14 (FIG. 3) is brought into engagement with such anengagement member of the stapler body as is disposed at a correspondingportion.

The state, in which the staples are used up, is shown in FIG. 21. Inthis state, the longitudinal size of the feeder 20 corresponds to themost contracted length of a spring 22.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 2 is shown in FIG. 25A to FIG. 30. In Embodiment 2, as shownin FIG. 25A, a spring guide 27 exists in front of the holder structure1, and a spring engaging member 29 a exists near the longitudinalcenter. The engaging member may also have a shape, as indicated by 29 bin FIG. 25B. In the case of the shape of the engaging member 29 b, theengagement of the spring is easier than that of the case of the engagingmember 29 a.

FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are sectional views showing the engagements amongthe holder structure, the feeder, the spring and the staples. FIG. 29shows the state, in which the staples fully occupy, and FIG. 30 showsthe state, in which the staples are used up.

A spring 32 is mounted in a U-letter shape among a spring engagingmember 29, the spring guide 27 and a feeder projection 31 of a feederdevice 30, which is made separate from the holder structure. The spring32 is a tension spring longer than that of Embodiment 1. In Embodiment2, moreover, the staple guide for supporting the staples from the innerface rises from the bottom wall as in Embodiment 1.

The spring is so relatively long that it does not push the staplesexcessively thereby to ensure precise staple feed.

In Embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. 26 to FIG. 28, the holder structure ismade integral and can be integrally molded as in Embodiment 1.

Embodiment 3

Embodiment 3 is shown in FIG. 31 to FIG. 35. In Embodiment 3, as shownin FIG. 31 to FIG. 35, a spring guide 34 exists in front of the holderstructure 1, and a spring engaging member 36 exists on the back. As canbe imagined from the explanation of FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 (Embodiment 2),the spring is mounted in a U-letter shape among the spring engagingmember 36, the spring guide 34 and the (not-shown) feeder projection ofthe feeder device, which is separate from the holder structure. Thespring in Embodiment 3 is a tension spring longer than the spring ofEmbodiment 2. This longer spring does not push the stapler excessivelythereby to make the staple feed precise. In addition, the feeder can bedrastically shortened.

In Embodiment 3, moreover, the staple guide for supporting the staplesfrom the back of the top rises from the bottom wall as in Embodiment 1and Embodiment 2. The holder structure is made integral and can beintegrally molded as in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

Embodiment 4

Embodiment 4 is shown in FIG. 36 to FIG. 43. FIG. 40 and FIG. 41 areperspective taken from the bottom back side of the holder structure.Unlike Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4 is not provided with asubstantial bottom wall (FIG. 40 and FIG. 41). In the absence of thesubstantial bottom wall, the staples, the feeder and the spring can beeasily attached to the holder structure thereby to facilitate the worksof assembling the cassette. In the absence of the bottom wall, thestaples fall down. Therefore, the side wall is provided with side wallstaple guides 42. Specifically, the trailing ends of the legs of thestaples come into engagement with the upper faces 47 of the side wallstaple guides 42.

In Embodiment 4, the leg lengths of the staples to match are determinedby the positions of the side wall staple guides so that the structurecan accept only one kind of staples.

In Embodiment 4, as shown in FIG. 36 to FIG. 39, a spring engagingmember 43 exists in front of the holder structure 1. A spring 46 ismounted in an I-letter shape between the spring engaging member 43 and afeeder projection 45 of a feeder device 44 made separate from the holderstructure, as shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43. The spring 43 is relativelyshort so that it takes a shorter length when it is compressed the most.In Embodiment 4, therefore, the holder structure can be made shorter inthe longitudinal direction than those of Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3.

FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 are sectional views showing the engagements amongthe holder structure, the feeder 44, the spring 46 and staplers 40. FIG.42 shows the state, in which the staples fill up, and FIG. 43 shows thestate, in which the staples are used up.

In Embodiment 4, as shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43, the holder structureis made integral and can be integrally molded, as in Embodiment 1 toEmbodiment 3.

Embodiment 5

Embodiment 5 is shown in FIG. 44 to FIG. 48. Embodiment 5 is notprovided with a substantial bottom wall, as in Embodiment 4. As shown inFIG. 47, the staples have their trailing leg ends engaging with theupper face of a side wall staple guide 52 provided on the side wall.

In Embodiment 5, as shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45, a spring engagingmember 51 exists in front of the holder structure 1, and a springengaging member 53 exists on the back of the same. As shown in FIG. 47and FIG. 48, a spring 57 is mounted in a U-letter shape among the springengaging member 53, the spring guide 51, and a feeder projection 56 of afeeder device 55 made separate from the holder structure. The spring ofEmbodiment 5 is a tension spring longer than that of Embodiment 4. Theeffects resulting from the long spring are similar to those ofEmbodiment 3.

In Embodiment 5, the holder structure is made integral and can beintegrally molded as in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4.

Embodiment 6

Embodiment 6 is shown in FIG. 49 to FIG. 58. Like Embodiment 4 andEmbodiment 5, a side wall staple guide 62 for supporting the trailingends of the legs of the staples is disposed on the side wall, as shownin FIG. 49 and FIG. 50.

As shown in FIG. 57 and FIG. 58, a spring 67 is a push spring forengaging with a spring engaging member 63 at the trailing end of theholder structure and a feeder spring engaging portion 66 disposed at afeeder 65.

In Embodiment 6, as shown in FIG. 52 to FIG. 54, the holder structure ismade integral and can be integrally molded, as in Embodiment 1 toEmbodiment 5.

Embodiment 7

Embodiment 7 presents a method for manufacturing Embodiment 1 toEmbodiment 6.

A mold corresponding to the holder structure of each Embodiment isprepared as two kinds of molds to match each other vertically. Thematerial is poured into the mold, and the top part and the bottom partare removed. By once extracting the two top and bottom parts, therefore,it is possible to manufacture the holder structure which is composed ofall the members such as the spring engaging member, the staple guide andso on, excepting the feeder.

Effects of the Invention

According to this invention, an integrally molded holder structure foruse in the cassette of the cassette type stapler can be provided by aset of molds. The holder structure is obtained by once parting the moldsso that the cost and the labors of manufacture can be remarkablylowered.

At the time of using the holder member, moreover, no trouble occurs, asmight otherwise be caused due to removal of glue or screws.

The cassette according to this invention is completed by the four partsof the holder structure, the feeder, the spring and the staples so thatit can be manufactured with less parts and at a remarkably low cost.Moreover, the labors are drastically reduced for the manufacture.

In case the cassette of this invention adopts the mechanism in which thestaples are guided by the engagement of their top backs, the height ofthis staple guiding mechanism is adjusted to the largest length of thelegs of the staples for ordinary use. As a result, the holder structureof one kind can be used for the cassette matching the staples of variousleg lengths.

In case the cassette of this invention adopts the mechanism in which thestaples are guided by the engagement with the trailing ends of the legsof the staples, the wall of the bottom of the holder structure can beminimized. As a result, it is possible to facilitate the works forattaching the feeder, the staples and the spring.

In case the cassette of this invention uses a long spring between theholder structure and the feeder, the staples can be pushed with arelatively weak force. In case a short spring is used, the cassette canbe reduced in size or otherwise can be provided with more staples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a holder structure according toEmbodiment 1 and taken in the direction from its front top.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holder structureaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 1 and taken in the direction from its back top.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 1 and taken in the direction from its back bottom.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holder structureaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holder structureaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the engagement between the holderstructure according to Embodiment 1 and staples.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the engagement between the holderstructure according to Embodiment 1 and the staples.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 1 and taken in the direction from its top.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 1 and taken in the direction from its bottom.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view along A-A′ of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a back elevation of the holder structure according toEmbodiment 1.

FIG. 13 presents a sectional view along A-A′, a sectional view alongE-E′ and a sectional view along I-I′ of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view along B-B′ of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view along C-C′ of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 presents a sectional view along D-D′, a sectional view alongF-F′, a sectional view along H-H′ and a sectional view along J-J′ ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 17 presents a sectional view along G-G′ and a sectional view alongK-K′ of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a feeder according to Embodiment1.

FIG. 19 is a sectional perspective view showing a feeder according toEmbodiment 1.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view (in a staple-filled state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder, the spring and thestaples according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view (in a staple-used-up state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder and the springaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 22 shows the inside of another mode of the holder structureaccording to Embodiment 1.

P FIG. 23 shows the inside of another mode of the holder structureaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 24 shows the inside of another mode of the holder structureaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 25A is an explanatory view showing the inside of a holder structureaccording to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 25B is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holderstructure according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 2 and taken in the direction from its top.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 2 and taken in the direction from its bottom.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view along A-A′ of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view (in a staple-filled state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder, the spring and thestaples according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view (in a staple-used-up state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder and the springaccording to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view showing the inside of a holder structureaccording to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holderstructure according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 33 presents an appearance of the holder structure according toEmbodiment 3 and a transverse section at seven portions of the sameholder structure.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 3 and taken from its bottom.

FIG. 35 shows a holder structure according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holderstructure according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holderstructure according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a holder structure according toEmbodiment 4 and taken in the direction from its front top.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory view showing the inside of another mode of theholder structure according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory view showing the inside of another mode of theholder structure according to Embodiment 4 and taken from its bottomback.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another mode of the holder structureaccording to Embodiment 4 and taken from its bottom back.

FIG. 42 is a sectional view (in a staple-filled state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder, the spring and thestaples according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 43 is a sectional view (in a staple-used-up state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder and the springaccording to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory view showing the inside of a holder structureaccording to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holderstructure according to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 46 shows the holder structure according to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 47 is a sectional view (in a staple-filled state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder, the spring and thestaples according to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 48 is a sectional view (in a staple-used-up state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder and the springaccording to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 49 is an explanatory view showing the inside of a holder structureaccording to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the holderstructure according to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 51 shows the holder structure according to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 6 and taken in the direction from its top.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory view showing the holder structure according toEmbodiment 6 and taken in the direction from its bottom.

FIG. 54 is a sectional view along A-A′ of FIG. 52.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing a feeder according to Embodiment6.

FIG. 56 is a sectional perspective view showing a feeder according toEmbodiment 6.

FIG. 57 is a sectional view (in a staple-filled state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder, the spring and thestaples according to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 58 is a sectional view (in a staple-used-up state) showing theengagement among the holder structure, the feeder and the springaccording to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory view showing a cassette of the prior art.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory view showing a rod structure to be used in thecassette of the prior art.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory view showing the cassette of the prior art.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory view showing the cassette of the prior art.

FIG. 63 is an explanatory view showing the cassette of the prior art.

FIG. 64 is an explanatory view showing the cassette of the prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS

1—Holder Structure, 2—Holder Front Side, 3—Holder Right Side, 4—HolderTop Side, 5—Holder Left Side, 6—Holder Bottom Side, 7—Holder Back Side,8—Staple Guide, 9—Spring Engaging Member, 10—Engaging Projection,11—Feeder Hole, 12—Recess, 13—Recess, 14—Stapler Engaging Projection,15—Staple, 16—Beam, 17—Recess, 20—Feeder, 21—Feeder Projection,22—Spring, 25—Staple, 26—Beam, 27—Spring Guide, 28—Staple Guide,29—Spring Engaging Member, 30—Feeder, 31—Feeder Projection, 32—Spring,34—Spring Guide, 35—Staple Guide, 36—Spring Engaging Member, 40—Staple,41—Beam, 42—Side Wall Staple Guide, 43—Spring Engaging Member,44—Feeder, 45—Feeder Projection, 46—Spring, 50—Staple, 51—Spring Guide,52—Side Wall Staple Guide, 53—Spring Engaging Member, 54—SmallProjection, 55—Feeder, 56—Feeder Projection, 57—Spring, 60—Staple,62—Side Wall Staple Guide, 63—Spring Engaging Member, 65—Feeder,66—Feeder Spring Engaging Portion, 80—Cassette, 81—Holder Member,83—Feeder Device, 84—Staple, 85—Spring, 86—Rod Structure, 87—Cap,88—Rod, 89—Engaging Projection, 90—Hole, 91—Holder Member Body,92—Holder Member Bottom Wall, 93—Rod Structure, 94—Rod, 95—Feeder,96—Spring, and 97—Staple.

1. A holder structure to be used as a cassette of a cassette typestapler, comprising: a holder member including a top side portion, abottom side portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a frontside portion and a back side portion; and a staple guide memberextending in the inside of said holder member in the axial direction ofsaid holder member, wherein, in case the sections of X-Y directions of aportion forming said top side portion, a portion forming said bottomside portion, a portion forming said right side portion, a portionforming said left side portion, a portion forming said front sideportion, a portion forming said back side portion and a portion formingsaid staple guide member are projected in one virtual plane in the X-Ydirections, the section of one portion in the X-Y directions and thesection of another portion in the X-Y directions are absent over eachother in a Z-direction.
 2. A holder structure to be used as a cassetteof a cassette type stapler, comprising: a holder member including a topside portion, a bottom side portion, a right side portion, a left sideportion, a front side portion and a back side portion; and a holderspring engaging member, wherein, in the sections of X-Y directions of aportion forming said top side portion, a portion forming said bottomside portion, a portion forming said right side portion, a portionforming said left side portion, a portion forming said front sideportion, a portion forming said back side portion and a portion formingholder spring engaging member, the section of one portion in the X-Ydirections and the section of another portion in the X-Y directions areabsent over each other in a Z-direction.
 3. A holder structure to beused as a cassette of a cassette type stapler, as set forth in claim 2,further comprising: a staple guide member extending in the inside ofsaid holder member in the axial direction of said holder member, whereinall the members are made integral, and wherein in the section of the X-Ydirections of a portion forming said staple guide member, the section ofa portion forming said staple guide member in the X-Y directions and thesection of said another portion in the X-Y directions are absent overeach other in a Z-direction.
 4. A holder structure as set forth in claim3, characterized by comprising a spring guide inside of said holderstructure.
 5. A cassette for a cassette type stapler, characterized bycomprising: a holder structure to be used as a cassette of a cassettetype stapler including: a holder member having a top side portion, abottom side portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a frontside portion and a back side portion; a holder spring engaging member;and a staple guide member extending in the inside of said holder memberin the axial direction of said holder member, wherein all the membersare made integral, and wherein, in the sections of X-Y directions of aportion forming said top side portion, a portion forming said bottomside portion, a portion forming said right side portion, a portionforming said left side portion, a portion forming said front sideportion, a portion forming said back side portion, a portion formingsaid holder spring engaging member, and a portion forming said stapleguide member, the section of one portion in the X-Y directions and thesection of another portion in the X-Y directions are absent over eachother in a Z-direction; a feeder including a feeder spring engagingmember; and a spring engaging at its one end with said holder springengaging member and at its other end with said feeder spring engagingmember.
 6. A cassette as set forth in claim 5, characterized bycomprising staples pushed forward by said feeder member to slide alongsaid staple guide.
 7. A cassette as set forth in claim 5, characterizedin that the spring is a tension spring.
 8. A cassette as set forth inclaim 7, characterized in that said holder structure has a spring guide,and in that said spring engages with said spring guide between said oneend and said other end to have a U-letter shape.
 9. A cassette as setforth in claim 5, characterized in that the spring is a push spring. 10.A cassette as set forth in claim 5, characterized in that said stapleguide member supports the top backs of the staples.
 11. A cassette asset forth in claim 5, characterized in that said staple guide membersupports the leading ends of the legs of the staples.